History
In 1997, Indiana University established the Advanced Research & Technology Institute (ARTI)—the organization that would become IURTC—to handle all IU-related intellectual property, trademarks, and business development activities.
Among IURTC’s early successes was the development of Midwest Proton Therapy Institute (MPRI), an outgrowth of research at the IU Cyclotron Facility. When it opened in 1998, MPRI was just the third institute in the United States—and the only one in the Midwest—to offer proton therapy for inoperable head and neck tumors, pediatric tumors, and prostate cancer.
Economic development is a key part of IURTC’s mission. In 2003, IURTC established the Indiana University Innovation Center - Indianapolis, a business incubator dedicated to establishing new life and health sciences companies.
Since then, additional economic development centers have been established around the state, including:
- Bloomington—the IU Innovation Center, providing office space and wet labs to life sciences start-ups
- Evansville—Engagement Office, bringing IU and Purdue University resources together to foster new businesses
- Fort Wayne—IPFW Office of Engagement, bringing IU and Purdue University innovation to Northeast Indiana
- Gary—Northwest Health and Human Services, focused on improving the region’s healthcare infrastructure
- Kokomo—Inventrek Technology Park, a small-business incubator that has brought more than 110 jobs to the region
- New Albany—Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center
- Richmond—Center for Entrepreneurship, connecting IU East faculty and students with local small business owners
- South Bend—Cancer Research Center, opening in 2010
